Edappadi K. Palaniswami: A Journey in Tamil Nadu Politics

Edappadi Karuppa Palaniswami was born on May 12, 1954, in Siluvampalayam, Salem district, Tamil Nadu, India.

He completed his Bachelor's degree in Agriculture from the Government Agricultural College in Coimbatore.

Palaniswami started his political career in the Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) party, which was founded by M.G. Ramachandran (MGR).

He steadily rose through the ranks of the AIADMK party due to his loyalty and organizational skills.

Palaniswami was a close aide of J. Jayalalithaa, the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and leader of the AIADMK.

He has held various ministerial positions in the Tamil Nadu government, including Minister for Highways and Minor Ports, Minister for Public Works, and Minister for Highways, Minor Ports and Rural Development.

Palaniswami served as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu from February 16, 2017, to May 7, 2021, succeeding O. Panneerselvam.

During his tenure as Chief Minister, Palaniswami faced several challenges, including managing the state during natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic.

He led the AIADMK alliance to victory in the 2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections, retaining power in the state.

Even after stepping down as Chief Minister, Palaniswami remains a significant figure in Tamil Nadu politics, playing a crucial role in the AIADMK party's decisions and strategies.